"Europe: "More and better varieties for snack segment"

"There are more and better varieties available for the snack segment," notes Corné van Winsen. At ZON Fruit and Vegetables he specializes in specialty tomatoes and the snack segment. "The brix values are higher, which means they’re sweeter. If consumers try them, they’ll buy more. And that's the point."

Corné van Winsen of Zon Fruit and Vegetables on the Fruit Logistica 2013

The dark, cold Spring caused the Dutch tomato season to start late. Price levels are slightly higher than last year, in almost all segments. "There was less supply and demand is relatively stable," says Corné. The current range includes red and orange mini plum tomatoes, yellow and red cherry tomatoes and mini cherry vine tomatoes (l'amuse).

Most competition for the Dutch snack tomato came from the Mediterranean early this season, but now that’s mostly done with. Spain is now the important player. “They have had a difficult season, with a lot of quality issues. 90% of Spanish cultivation takes place in plastic tunnels, unheated. With temperatures of five degrees, that is not working out," says Van Winsen.

The Beezy's snack vegetable concept of ZON Fruit and Vegetables also includes the snack tomato

The acreage for snack tomatoes at ZON Fruit and Vegetables almost equals that of last year. "It's not easy to change if you have a greenhouse for coarse vine tomatoes. It's a completely different culture. It is possible, yes, but it is an expensive hobby." Demand for the snack segment is okay. "And there are more and better varieties, as I said." That, however, does not reduce the demand for other tomatoes. "It's a very different market." For that market ZON introduced ‘My Jello’ last year. "The brand is in its infancy, but we find that there is much interest among consumers and retailers alike."

More information:
Corné van Winsen
ZON Fruit and Vegetables
Venrayseweg 104
5928 RH VENLO
T: +31 (0)77 3239999
F: +31 (0)77 3239719
E. [email protected]
http://www.zon-business.com/